MPP Ernie Hardeman wants you to see the signs
A commentary for the National Farmers Union-Ontario
By Grant Robertson
There is a tendency in our modern world to look for the big fix. In an instant society we want an instant answer to all of our problems. Fans of author Douglas Adams will know that the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything is 42. The problem arises when you don’t know the question. In a way Ernie Hardeman, Conservative MPP for Oxford has come up with a small answer to a big question with his private members bill “Signage to Promote Ontario Grown Products Act.”
Under current laws signs, including farm products for sale signs, are prohibited within 400 metres of provincial highways. The only private signs that are allowed within this restricted zone are ones that display the name of the farm (or property) or the name of the farm family (or property owner). One of the major drawbacks for those who wish to buy Ontario farm products directly from the farm is the ability to know who has something for sale, and what that something might be. This is the big question Mr. Hardeman is trying to answer. How do we make that connection between eater and farmer stronger and how do eaters become aware of what might be for sale? It is a difficult question, and it will not be answered by one bill or Act, but Mr. Hardeman seems to be trying to take things in the right direction.
Mr Hardeman’s private member’s bill has the following provisions within it:
-the signage would be able to provide directions to the farm where food products grown or produced in Ontario are sold, excluding tobacco.
-the owner of the sign must be the same person who is the owner (or renter) of the location from which the food products are being sold
-the sign can only be on private land that is zoned agricultural
-the sign may only be displayed during the time the product is available for sale
Mr Hardeman is to be congratulated for taking this step towards helping farmers and eaters find each other. It is a small step sure, but it is a step that needs to be taken. The old saying goes that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and Mr Hardeman’s bill is a solid, positive step.
There are a few wrinkles Mr Hardeman is going to have to work out to make his bill the best it could be. For instance, many farmers are selling products that are available year round. Will their signage still be allowed, or will only seasonal vegetable and fruit growers get to reap the benefits of this proposed exemption for farmers selling direct? Many farmers have been attempting to value add to the production of their farms. Will those selling baked goods, preserves or other goodies get to benefit as well? These are small details that can be easily managed with a minimal amount of discussion.
Private members’ bills have a hard time in a Legislature ruled by the majority government. Gone are the days of old when individual MPPs had a strong ability to shape the Legislation presented to the Legislature. From time to time though MPPs manage to set aside the usual partisan squabbling and pass a private member’s bill. Let’s hope that Mr Hardeman’s bill around highway signage manages to get past partisanship and makes it to the point it can be helping both farmers and eaters.
Grant Robertson is a senior elected official with the National Farmers Union-Ontario and a National Board Member of the NFU. Grant and his family farm near Paisley, Ontario. The author can be contacted at grant@bmts.com
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